Are you about to get married? For most women, this is the day that they’ve been planning for since they were young girls. If you feel the same, then it’s understandable why you’re out seeking advice, help and support to make your dream wedding a reality.Let’s face it. When it comes to wedding dress, most men just can’t seem to understand the importance of picking the perfect wedding dress. True, you’re only going to be wearing that gown once in your life, and your groom may still feel the inclination to tie the knot even if you showed up dressed in a potato sack, but you very well know that one of the most important days of your life merits an exceptionally special dress.

When to Choose Ball Gown?

What it is The number one distinguishing trait of a ball gown is its very full (aka huge) skirt. The silhouette also has a fitted bodice and is cinched at the natural waist.

Best for Brides with boyish figures. The fullness of the dress will make you look curvier.

Avoid if You’re a petite bride. You’ll get swallowed up by a dress this voluminous.

When to Choose Mermaid?

What it is This shape is defined by a slim, tapered, curve-hugging skirt that follows the line of the hips and thighs and flares out below the knee.

Best for Brides with hourglass figures who want to show off their curves.

Avoid if You know you don’t want something tight; this style is constricting.

Top Tips to Choose the Perfect Wedding DressThere are so many wedding details that you need to take care of, but it’s equally important that you take the time to find the perfect wedding gown for you. To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of wedding dress tips for how you can look your best on your wedding day.Tip 1: Is constantly going to your groom for tips getting you down? Find a female friend or relative who will gladly accompany you on your trips to the bridal shop.Unless your groom is female fashion-savvy, he’s not going to be much help when you ask him about the perfect wedding dress collar or neckline for you. Find a female companion or companions that you trust enough for second and third opinions.Tip 2: Set a budget, and try to follow it.Wedding dress budgets are hardly ever exact. You may need to spend more or you might end up spending less than you expected. The point is having a budget in mind can help you control the urge to splurge on your very special dress. Try your hardest to follow your dress budget, and pray that you find a great wedding dress bargain that will make your groom proud.Tip 3: Consider the color of your gown.You can stick with tradition and go for white, but if you want to add some color to your gown, then by all means, find the perfect color for you. Today, a number of modern brides are choosing colored wedding dresses instead of plain white ones. Stand out in the sea of white-clad brides by going for an eye-popping color.You may want to take the season into consideration when picking out your wedding dress color, or you can simply go for what flatters your complexion best. Also be prepared for possible adverse reactions from your traditional guests. Console yourself with the thought that it’s your wedding, and you can wear blue or even black if you want to.Tip 4: Find the right wedding dress length.Yes, wedding gowns can be short or long depending on the type of ceremony you’re having and where you’re planning on having it. There’s a very basic rule when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress length, and it’s to base your dress length on how formal the ceremony is.If you’re having a formal ceremony, then floor-length is the way to go. If it’s an ultra-formal wedding, then you may want to add a cathedral train to your dress. For informal weddings, you can choose the hemline that flatters you best.Short, or at least shorter wedding dresses are advised for casual and outdoor weddings for practical reasons. You don’t want to get mud, twigs, leaves or sand on your floor-length designer wedding dress, right?Tip 5: Pick the appropriate and the most flattering sleeve-length and style for your dress.By appropriate, we’re merely reminding you that a winter wedding may not be the best time to go for a halter, plunging and backless number unless you’re planning on wearing over clothes.If you’re feeling conscious about your arms or your shoulders, then you might want to keep those problem areas covered. There are numerous sleeve styles and sleeve lengths to choose from; simply pick the one that fits the occasion best while making you feel pretty and comfortable in your dress.Tip 6: Know the importance of finding the right skirt style and dress shape for your body.Much like wedding dresses, brides come in different shapes and sizes. Take into consideration your physical assets, your overall body shape and your problem areas when making your choice of skirt style and dress shape.For example, if you’re shaped like an inverted triangle, with prominent shoulders and small hips, then a ball gown would balance your proportions creating the perfect silhouette and hourglass figure.

When to Choose Column?

What it is This formfitting style follows the body’s natural line and doesn’t flare out. It’s also referred to as a sheath.

Best for Petite women, since this slim shape adds length. This silhouette also looks great on brides with sleek figures.

Avoid if You’re pear-shaped (when you’re small on top but more rounded on the bottom). This silhouette will make you look unbalanced.

When to Choose Drop Waist?

What it is This silhouette is exactly as you would imagine—it drops and flares out slightly below the waistline around your hip area.

Best for Brides who want to flaunt their trim middles and shape, since it hugs your waist and hips.

Avoid if You have a boxy figure—it might make you look like you have less curves.

When to Choose A-Line?

What it is As its name implies, this cut is narrow at the top and extends out along the body in the shape of—you guessed it—an “A.”

Best for All body types. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular skirt silhouettes—it’s super-flattering on almost everyone.

Avoid if You’re looking for something really sexy.

When to Choose Trumpet?

What it is A straight-lined skirt subtly flares from the knee toward the hem in a trumpet shape.

Best for Curvy brides who are looking for a formfitting dress that’s slightly easier to move in.

Avoid if You’re not comfortable with clearly showing off your shape or if you have an apple or boxy body type.

If You’re Apple-Shaped?

Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.

If You’re Plus-Sized?

Look for: An Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.

Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.

–>Tip 7: Determining the best neckline for you.Your wedding gown’s neckline can definitely affect your gown’s overall appearance. You have numerous neckline options, but it’s all a matter of finding the most suitable and flattering neckline for your frame.Remember, in the same way that you need to take your assets, body shape and problem areas into consideration when picking out dress shapes and skirt styles, you also need to look at these factors when choosing your wedding dress neckline.If you’re planning on showing off your arms, your beautiful shoulders and pronounced collar bones, and you have an ample bosom to pull off the look, then the strapless gown is an excellent neckline choice. If you tend towards the flat side, then you can enhance your bust area with a bateau neckline.Tip 8: Look for the right fabric.A pure satin ball gown would not stand on its own without layers of tulle under it or hoops built into the dress. Your choice of fabric could directly affect your gown’s overall look. If you tend to be uncomfortable or if you tend to feel itchy when you’re wearing crisp and net-like fabrics, then go for the breezy and lightweight ones.There are so many different fabrics to choose from. A way to familiarize yourself with these fabrics is to ask your wedding planner or the bridal boutique owner to help you distinguish between the different fabric types available.Tip 9: Decide on whether or not you want or need a wedding train.A wedding train means extra-fabric and detailing, which translates to paying more for your wedding dress. Unless your wedding is ultra-formal, you’re not going to need a train.If your heart is set on having a train that trails gracefully behind you, then pick your train length based on practicality. Your wedding train can decrease your mobility, making it difficult to maneuver between chairs and tables during the reception. A detachable wedding train is most advisable if you’re planning on doing a lot of dancing and walking after the actual wedding ceremony.Tip 10: Be Wary of wedding gown sizing and necessary alterations.You’ll find out more about this when you actually head to the bridal boutique to be measured.You may already know your actual size, but don’t be too surprised if they tell you that you’re a size or two bigger than you thought.This is not to say that they have faulty sizing charts; it only means that wedding dress boutiques and high street shops have a different way of determining your dress size. Your dress size is based on your body’s largest dimension.If you have prominent hips and a smaller bust area, then your wedding dress size will be based on your hip size.Once you get your wedding gown, you need to check if alterations need to be made for a perfect fit. Most brides find that alterations are necessary to get the size right. Ask the boutique or shop owner for estimates on how much you’re going to have to pay for dress alterations to determine if you’re getting a great bargain or a rotten deal.Tip 11: If you think your dress needs that extra sparkle and glam then go for some decorations and embellishments.Wedding dress embellishments and decorations have one special purpose, and that’s to bring something extra to your gown.Additional decorations and embellishments are a great way of making your dress even more unique and fashionable.A basic gown would look great with additional beading and perhaps some embroidery. If you want a more feminine gown, then adding a bow, some ribbons or three-dimensional flowers can give your dress the boost needed to make it an amazing and personalized wedding dress.Find a great seamstress or wedding dress designer to help you pick out the right detailing for your gown.

Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).

Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that is ruched will have the same effect.

If You're Pear-Shaped?

Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.

Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.